Leaderboard: Cycling goggles are part of the basic equipment of every cyclist, regardless of whether they are hobby cyclists, leisure cyclists or racing cyclists. In sports, the glasses should not only provide proper UV protection, but also prevent annoying insects or dirt from getting into your eyes and guarantee a clear view of the road at all times. Likewise, performance glasses are nowadays also an accessory and a style message that should say much more than "I protect my eyes!". In our cycling glasses comparison test you will find an overview of the most popular models on the market.
Cycling glasses comparison test: What makes good cycling glasses?
Before our tests, we naturally asked ourselves how glasses can be tested at all and what makes cycling glasses special. What is the difference between good glasses and bad glasses? To do this, we evaluate the three main categories of glass, fit, and packaging and accessories. Various indicators were important for the evaluation in the individual categories.
1. Cycling glasses comparison test - glass
The heart of the glasses is of course the glass. Significant differences can be identified: from self-tinting glasses to glasses that literally make the environment appear in HD due to their cut or their coating. We also included the field of vision in the glass category. With some glasses in the test field, the frame or nose bridge were unfortunately so much in the "way" that vision is significantly impaired. Anyone who decides on such glasses does not always drive in the best weather. That's why we also evaluated the properties of the glasses in rain and wet conditions. It's always annoying when even a few raindrops significantly reduce visibility. There are clear differences: With some glasses, the water simply pearls off to a certain extent due to a special coating and the view is practically not impaired. With other glasses, on the other hand, you can hardly see anything after just two sprays. If you then have to take off the glasses and get splashed water and dirt in your eyes, the glasses haven’t really done their job. The same applies, of course, to the fact that glasses must not fog up, otherwise the driver will be forced to take them off again.
2. Cycling glasses comparison test - fit
No matter how good the lens is, if the glasses don't sit well on your head, the best view is useless. Do the glasses slip? Is she too loose? Do the temples or the nosepiece pinch? What individual setting options are there? How do the glasses close at the bottom edge so that no splashing water or dirt gets into the eyes?
To a certain extent, the fit also depends on the individual head shape. But with a flexible frame, possible adjustment options or intelligently shaped temples, you sometimes get extremely flexible glasses that should fit almost everyone.
3. Cycling glasses comparison test - packaging & accessories
At least since Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France with aviator glasses in the early eighties and Greg Lemond followed him with his legendary Oakley, the glasses on the bike are also a statement and a bit of a toy for adults. If you spend a hundred euros or more on cycling glasses, you also want an attractive packaging and presentation and not just a thin cardboard box. We were allowed to experience insanely big differences. Almost everything is included, from a chic leather case in a picture-perfect box to a microfiber case in a lockable plastic bag. The accessories evaluation point is also included in this criterion, since, for example, the hard case and the glasses cleaning cloth are also accessories, but unfortunately they are far from standard. The scope of delivery of spare and interchangeable lenses, earsocks, nose pieces and the case is also evaluated.
Cycling glasses in the comparison test: That was noticeable
The self-tinting glasses are an important topic. Unfortunately, no product was 100 percent convincing, as there is always something missing or the technology does not seem to be fully developed. It is also noticeable that more and more cycling glasses are using a more or less frameless design in order to offer a larger field of vision without obstacles. However, caution is also required, since without a frame, dirt or water can splash into the eye from below or the glasses themselves can appear unstable. Most glasses have a solid to good performance and are good all-rounders; A few compromises have to be made across all evaluation criteria, but almost all glasses make it - even the best. Good glasses, but without a flawless result.